Hiring and pricing for foundation add on?


  #1  
Old 07-27-13, 06:36 AM
W
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 64
Upvotes: 0
Received 1 Upvote on 1 Post
Hiring and pricing for foundation add on?

Hi, I would like to add a screen porch to my house, the framing and finish I can do myself. I had toyed with the idea of just wood framing a deck but I think a brick foundation would look better.
  1. What should I do and look for when hiring a mason?
  2. How do I estimate cost before talking to one?
  3. Kinda the same as 2 but what do masons charge? I am in South Carolina if that helps?


Thanks
Wade
 
  #2  
Old 07-27-13, 08:49 AM
Tolyn Ironhand's Avatar
Group Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: United States
Posts: 14,329
Received 877 Upvotes on 740 Posts
Labor and material costs can vary a lot from state to state, and even in different parts of the same state. Best thing to do is get three quotes for the job. Talk to them and make sure they understand exactly what you are looking to have done. A good plan goes a long way. Extras is what drive the price up in a hurry.

They will be ones to estimate the cost of the job. Also make sure you follow through and check their references. Lastly, you should never have to pay for somebody to come out to give you an estimate.
 
  #3  
Old 07-27-13, 11:22 AM
BridgeMan45's Avatar
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 2,838
Upvotes: 0
Received 2 Upvotes on 2 Posts
Before calling anyone in for estimates, you need to talk to your local building permit people, asking them what the minimum foundation design requirements are. Then work up a quick sketch of same, make some copies of it, and hand one to each person who comes out to work up an estimate. That way, they will all be bidding on the same (+/-) thing. A refined version of the sketch can be submitted when you apply for the building permit.
 
  #4  
Old 07-29-13, 12:37 PM
D
Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 22
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes on 0 Posts
A month ago I would not say this
You can do some looking on Facebook
I found a guy that had posted a few pics of work he did
I called him and told him what I wanted done he gave me a rough price
over the phone
He arrived and after looking at what I needed the price was a little more
still well within reason. I had prices as high as 2100.00 up to 2900
This guy tells me 1200.00 tops. Not only did he do it for that he did more
Since then he has done several jobs including new metal roof ,new windows, new siding
and will be doing more work and at a third of what other had bid on
One thing to check on is insurance to cover anyone working around your house
Your home owner usually will not cover it
Do not be afraid to hire someone if they sign a waiver. Just keep it simple and have a witness
You can find them on the net or an attorney can draw one up for a nominal fee
 
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
 
Ask a Question
Question Title:
Description: